Does anyone know whether the DTC with the electronic differential is a better option than the LSD on a MCS? Especially since the JCW offers the DTC with EDLC as standard and the LSD isn't even an aoption.

 

From the description in the Configurator, it sounds like DTC gives you the most options for controlling what electronic systems are operating. So, it would be the choice for AutoX or track, IMO.

I'm not positive, but I would think that DTC and LSD would not be mutually exclusive. LSD should delay the traction control part of DTC from coming into play. When the LSD is overwhelmed, DTC should come into play.

I always assumed that LSD was not optional on the JCW because it has a different transmission, and more power than an MCS. Probably too expensive to make an LSD just for the JCW.

 

I borrowed this nice write up from forum member "lovethecorners." It should answer your question. IMO it's a great read. Although, I don't think one is better than the other, it's what best fits YOUR driving style or conditions....


One of the greatest benefits of having the LSD over the e-diff, is that the LSD is always active. One example of where this is beneficial is that you can have DSC on while the LSD is working. The increased traction gained from the LSD, means that even with aggressive cornering, you can maintain traction longer before DSC kicks in (great for public roads). A mechanical LSD almost gives the feeling of sling-shooting out of corners, but if things really get hairy and you have DSC on you know you won't end up in a ditch. My understanding of MINI's EDLC is that you activate it by turning OFF DTC and DSC. And although EDLC works very quickly, it is still a strictly reactive system and does not have the option of keeping a safety-net with stability control on.

The mechanical LSD is sourced from GKN Driveline (or at least the 05-06 was and I'd assume the R56/R55 is the same) which gives a 30% lockup rate, is pretty-much "maintenance-free" and has very little driveline harshness (compared to clutch-type differentials.) If this "Super LSD" exhibits 1.5-way characteristics the LSD would also have some traction advantages when lifting off throttle or braking although my guess is that it is a safer 1-way system.

One of the disadvantages of the MINIs mechanical LSD at a dry track is that if one wheel becomes unweighted (comes out of contact with the ground) it acts like a standard open differential and you'll get wheelspin. Additionally the EDLC does have the advantage of a lock-up rate up to 50%. The LSD is going to feel more progressive on a dry track, but my guess is that with the greater lockup potential, the EDLC may actually be better in slippery situations (rain and snow.)

 

The manual says "Interventions (differential Lock) in braking occur to improve propulsion when driver wheels are rotating unevenly, even when the DSC is deactivated." (don't you just love the tech writers ). This would imply that is active all the time.

I have an autocross this weekend, so I'll see if I can test it out

 

Wait so I want to hold the DTC button and turn the system off? On a normal driving day, should I just leave the car alone and just not push anything?

 

If you do nothing, then the DTC and DSC are active and will try to keep you out of trouble. It looks like (from the manual) that EDLC is always on.

 

ah okay got it. Sorry been a long week. So the only reason why a person would turn off dtc is if they know how to handle the car and are looking to break loose in turns and such?

 

From what I been told by MINI sales LSD seems to be preferred by "old school" motor-heads. Main differences I found out so far are: LSD is mechanical and always stays on. If you order DTC, DTC and DSC may both be turned off to allow for more aggressive driving. The lock-up rates between LSD & DTC are different. I've also heard both options are good ones, however, it just comes down to preference and driving style. One is not better than the other.

 

Haha was it a good choice then that I got both? I later found that it was redundant but it was too late to change my order. I figure redundency in safety features can't be too bad of a thing though I guess.

 

I have LSD on my 2007, but this is before DTC was available. The electronic systems are DSC and ASC. ASC is a more primitive form of drive wheel traction control that came on all 2007 MINIs. DSC was (at that time) an option.

The various official marketing write-ups on the different electronic systems have been a little confusing to me. I sometimes wonder if the PR writers really know how the systems work. Anyway, my understanding is that DTC brakes a spinning drive wheel just enough to keep it at the same speed as the wheel with traction. I've not driven a MINI with DTC, so I don't know what it feels like.

The old ASC just cut engine power when drive wheels started spinning. So, you'd be making that left turn and punch it because you misjudged the speed of oncoming traffic, and ASC causes the engine to bog down. This invokes PANIC in the driver, and generally sucks. LSD delays the onset of ASC.

The purpose of DSC is to attempt to maintain directional control of the car when it starts to slide. The computer applies the brake to a particular wheel that it determines will rotate the drifting car back into the direction the front wheels are pointed.

One characteristic I've noticed with LSD is that torque steer alternates direction. So, putting your foot in it gets interesting as the MINI weaves like a drunken sailor.